Council of State Chapters

CERTIFICATIONS, ENDORSEMENTS & "BLUE STAR" CANDIDATES

DMO Chapters are encouraged to develop a local policy for engagement in municipal races. The policy will require approval by the DMO National Board before any action is taken. As each jurisdiction has individual laws, we recommend you follow the same guidelines as for federal candidates (above). If you wish to move beyond those restrictions, you must first:

A. Develop a written plan for political action and compliance.

B. Pay for and obtain an opinion by DMO’s attorneys and if they recommend, the opinion of an election law specialist in your state.

C. Obtain the approval of the DMO Board of Directors.

The Chapter will be responsible for any required state or local registration, reporting, or filing and any legal or staff costs incurred by the national organization for compliance.

However, if local laws allow, there is much that can be done without spending resources that would fall under most reporting requirements. The following are a few options available to identify municipal candidates who meet the qualifications set by the State Chapter.

DMO Certified

DMO “Certified” candidates are candidates participating in non-partisan races who have submitted a questionnaire and completed a personal interview and been deemed to indeed be a “Democrat” seeking the non-partisan office.

DMO Endorsed

“Endorsed” candidates may run in either partisan or non-partisan races and will meet additional criteria as established by the Chapter.

An individual Certified and/or Endorsed candidate who is the only Certified/Endorsed Democrat in their race and/or Multiple Certified and/or Endorsed candidates who are not running against an incumbent DMO, may be eligible for certain benefits which may include:

1. The right to purchase the use of our state mailing list for the purpose of soliciting contributions from our members.

2. Opportunity to speak at Chapter events.

3. The right to use a “DMO CERTIFIED” logo on their political materials.

4. Profile email blast(s) to the state membership.

5. Nomination as a DMO “Blue Star” Candidate to the national organization. Star candidates are those in competitive races whose victories will ensure that a Democrat wins or holds an important seat. “Blue Star” candidates will receive additional benefits from the national DMO.

6. And other benefits as the chapter may develop.

“BLUE STAR” Candidate Program

Democratic Municipal Officials (DMO) is developing a national “Blue Star” Candidate Program. This program will provide national attention to local races where a pivotal seat can be won or held, particularly mayoral races and council races whereby a victory would give control of a Council/Board/Commission to Democrats. Although any candidate can be referred for consideration by the Chapter Board, an emphasis will be placed on selecting candidates whose victory would change or hold Democratic control in that municipal body.

Chartered DMO Chapters may refer one or more of their “Certified” or “Endorsed” candidates each election cycle to the national DMO Board of Directors for consideration. Candidates accepted into the “Blue Star” Candidate Program will be recognized as such and will be referred for mentoring, fundraising and technical assistance to a multitude of national and regional organizations which may be inclined to help in municipal races. The candidates will also be highlighted in a national email to the full DMO membership who will be solicited to support the campaign financially.